Automatic separation of un-separated household waste
To finish development and provide proof of concept for a technology, which makes it possible to separate unseparated household waste in 5-7 fractions in one separation step, one fraction is biodegradable. The technology is integrated with a technology for separation of packaged food waste from shops in a food pulp for biogas and packaging material.
The objective of the project is to provide proof of concept and final design for a demo-plant for a novel system for automatic separation of municipal solid waste (MSW) containing a biodegradable fraction (BMW) as well as a number of non-biodegradable fractions (non-BMW).
The novel automatic separation system comprises:
1. A process for separation of mixed unpacked waste from households, restaurants etc. (3D separation)
2. A process for separation of packaged food products from food shops (the Swea process)
The 3D sepatation process is covered by patents in several countries and is based on separation in an elongated basin with a flow of water, where the waste components will be affected by forces in 3 dimensions, spreading the light high flowing components to one side of the basin, heavy sinking components to the opposite side and the components submerged in the water (the BMW fraction) flowing to the end of the basin opposite to the feeding end. Up to 3 fractions can be extracted from each side, resulting in up to 7 fractions.
A simplified pilot of 3D separation will be built; tests for unwanted substances in the BMW will be carried out, costs for a full demo-plant estimated.
The main objective of phase 1 of the project ”Automatic separation of unseparated household waste” were to investigate the possibility to a one-stringed collection system, when the waste system is transforming towards more recycling and less incineration. At the same time, it should be investigated if the same “gate fee” (about 400 DKK/tonne) for incinera-tion) could be maintained, along with a higher degree of recycling than source separation.
Trials on a simplified, full scale prototype have supplied data for a prefeasibility study. Fur-ther design and price-estimates for a demonstration plant have been carried out.
The results indicate that all three objectives can be met.
Key figures
Category
Dokumenter
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| Holm Christensen Biosystemer | 1,01 mio. DKK | 0,83 mio. DKK |
| Ellegaard service | 0,38 mio. DKK | 0,25 mio. DKK |
| Swea | 0,10 mio. DKK | 0,06 mio. DKK |